Most store bought 38 Super ammo available today is pretty mild (even though it's usually labeled +P) The factory stuff I checked chrono'd at 1100fps out of my 5" bbl

It's a fun caliber to load for, I use Hornady 125g HAP, Remington 130g MC and Precision Delta FMJ for most of my loading.

springer99

January 15, 2013, 10:50 PM

Viking, if you reload and are thinking of a .35X in an auto, you gotta go 38Super. IMHO it's what every 9mm wants to be when it grows up.

2zulu, great choice with the XTP's, although I also love a 125gr. FPBB design for everyday use. I can load them just as hot and they cut great circles in the target.

Swing

January 15, 2013, 10:56 PM

mhmm. Its not called Super for nuth'n. :D

g_one

January 15, 2013, 11:28 PM

How hard is it to find a decently priced 1911 in .38super? I'm getting ready to buy reloading equipment for my 30/30 soon, and it's just a change of dies away from being able to start making 38 super...

surjimmy

January 16, 2013, 09:22 AM

It's my main carry, 1955 Colt. 38 Super in any brand will usually bring a higher price then your 45, here in Oklahoma ammo is not that hard to find for a decent price.
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/surjimmy/IMG_4761.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/surjimmy/IMG_4760.jpg

Cocked & Locked

January 16, 2013, 10:45 AM

I like the Super .38's Hand loaded XTP's are my favorite. Remington factory ammo in this pic.

You're right. I've had three RIA .38 Super guns. Just have this one RIA Super now.

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/9381895/373123954.jpg

g_one

January 16, 2013, 11:18 AM

I've never owned a Rock Island but based on reviews and posts by people here I would definitely not have a problem buying one. The only negative thing I've heard about their GI spec models is that they offer pretty bad hammer bite. Most of the problem with hammer bite is all in how you hold the gun though, not the gun itself, right?

BigG

January 16, 2013, 11:23 AM

I got one but why do you need one when you can get a 10mm Colt? :D

SharpsDressedMan

January 16, 2013, 12:43 PM

Put a .38 Super barrel and mag in your 10mm Colt/1911 and you can have both (o.k., you might need a reduced recoil spring, too.)

squarles67

January 16, 2013, 08:07 PM

I had a Rock Island in 45 a few years back, it was a great gun and I never had a single problem with it but those GI sights are TINY. I'm sure the Supers a fine as well. I sold it to a buddy and bought my first Colt.

tipoc

January 17, 2013, 03:33 PM

There is a very good web site dedicated to the 38 Super where you can read more about the specifics of this round, the history, ammo availability, comparisons of factory ammo, handloading and more...

http://www.38super.net/

Cor-Bon, Double Tap, Wilson Combat, and Georgia Arms all offer loads for the Super that are good examples of defensive loads for the round.

Handloading can give you good loads for deer sized game out to about 50 yards and very good defensive loads.

The Super appeals to me (which is why I have at least 5 of them now) because the bullets are cheaper than others. 9mm bullets are about as cheap a blasting bullet you can find relative to say a 40cal for my 10mm's or even a 45acp bullet. I blast 10s of thousands of 9mm's over the last few years and mostly out of 38 Supers lately.

Also as a reloader, the Super is easier to handle than a 9mm round and powder spillage is less of an issue.

Finally I can easily toss a Super round faster than a 9mm or even a 357 Sig with less pressure "in general".

So what is to lose with getting a Super? No much in my opinion.

Cocked & Locked

January 20, 2013, 01:35 PM

^That^

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